I've posted a few questions about my search for an S2000, but I'll admit I've never driven one yet. I have no doubt that my obsession is well warranted... I owned an Acura RSX Type S for 4 years and just loved every minute of it. But kids growing older pushed me to something more practical (a 2008 TSX 6 speed). Nothing beats a Honda 4 cyl with their manual tranny. I've avoided driving an S2000 to keep my obsession in check... I was concerned driving one would push me to buy now rather than waiting until better northeast weather.

I located a 2008 Laguna Blue S2000 not far from me and stopped by to check it out. It was at a Honda dealer and I stopped by this evening. It was listed on their site for 17k with 113k miles.

On first pass, it looked pretty hammered. All 10 VINs were intact, but it was riddled with paint chips and scratches... Obviously well driven. Also had an aftermarket intake and radiator, and possibly exhaust. New top was installed by the dealer, but the rear window rattled against the rollback. I explained to the sales guy and manager that it was pretty hammered and definitely not worth anything near 17k, but they said take it out and drive it, then make an offer. So I did.

My first drive of an S2000 was very underwhelming, but I suspect it was because the car was in such poor condition... I'll offer my thoughts and hopefully you guys can give me feedback if my experience is limited to this particular bucket.

Start up was solid, but clutch pickup seemed very long... Like at the end of the pedal travel. More than half travel before it even grabbed. I attribute this to a worn clutch, and even seemed like it slipped on one shift from 2nd to 3rd where it seemed to take a while to catch after I had let the clutch fully out.

Acceleration was strong as I would expect from the profile of the engine. Good from about 4k on up, distinct kick to VTEC at 6k. But when I was on the gas accelerating, there was a mechanical rhythmic kick, almost like a wheel out of balance but more mechanical. I assume this was a major mechanical issue and not normal. I would expect a good sample to be smooth?

Handling was good, but I didn't get to hammer on handling much due to where I drove it. I experienced just a smidge of loose back end pulling into traffic, so I got a feel for the telltale back end.

The engine sound... God awful. I really think this must be this sample. It was harsh sounding, like it might come apart. Not smooth and silky. There was a growly raspy rough sound, not anything close to my 93 Integra, RSX or TSX. Just... Rough.

I returned from the drive and told them no thanks. They said they would have the shop guys give it another pass. I assume my particular observations are from a completely hammered and abused car. My guess is that it was also heavily tracked. Interior was a bit hammered but not bad. Drivers seat was torn but bolsters were in good shape.

I left feeling disappointed, and yet relieved I wasn't going to be overly obsessed for the next few weeks.

 

Are you sure that it was a S2000? LOL - sounds like it definitely must have been beaten to crap. Conversely, I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face when I finally got to drive a S2000 for the first time (and then promptly bought the car).

 

lol keep looking and test drive a better condition one. I also test drove a really beat up s2k my first time while I was looking for my car. It was disheartening to say the least, but it made me appreciate the car I have now when I found it.

 

Yea, when i test drove my first one, i was sold immediately. Maybe the one you drove was on its death bed or something. Or maybe the car just isnt your cup of tea, but i would find one in better shape first and give it one more chance.

 

The sound of the engine was one of the things that drew me into buying my s2000 after I test drove it.

How clean was the engine bay?

 

I had the EXACT same impression the first time I drove one.
Clutch pick up feels high - this is normal and you get used to it. I believe you can also adjust it.
Engine sound - yeah - not the most refined - normal and you get used to it. The aftermarket exhaust on there may be adding to that. You can always swap out exhausts.
It Felt really SLOW - normal, you get used to how to drive it and get the most out of it. It's a low TQ motor.
The car had the exact vibration you described - this is typical - a warn CV joint. $300 to fix and absolutely transforms the car once repaired.

I actually passed on the car I ended up buying because of my fist impressions. My daily was a stage 2 Audi S4 which has a very strong torque curve and smooth engine and I was just so used to driving that which attributed to my disappointment.
After sleeping on it and talking with a friend who owned one, I decided to buy the car regardless because it was a good price and I figured I could clean it up and at least make some money on it if it didn't grow on me.


Adding more thoughts - if the car is beat up it very well may not be running as healthy as it could... See if you can find one in better condition.

As soon as I got the CV joint fixed the car was transformed. By then (2 weeks of ownership) I had gotten used to the engine noise and grew to like it, the clutch actually started feeling more normal to me than my S4's and with the CV joint fixed I was able to really wind it out and play with it.
As time went by and I got all fluids changed, new summer tires (it had horrible all seasons) and did a few minor suspension upgrades it really started to grow on me. I was also able to extract more out of the engine because I could rev it out more and it started feeling quite quick. The shaking of the warn CV joint made me feel like I was breaking the car anytime I got on throttle.

Now I much prefer driving the S2000 in the summer vs my S4.

They aren't for everyone but the more time you spend driving it the more you will fall in love.

 

The first time I drove an S2000 it was already mine, bought and paid for!

I purchased it in another state, via pictures and agreements. Took 2 weeks for me to get there and drive it back home. Happened to be a spectacular drive home via the Sonora Pass in the Sierras.

 

I had a similar experience to the OP but with a different outcome. I had thought about S2000s for some time so decided to try one from a used car lot. It too was overpriced and had some inconsistencies between visible wear and the dealer's claims. Still, after a few rushes from 6 to 9k rpm I was hooked. From there I just needed to find the right car from a private party.

To the OP, you might try to find another example in better mechanical condition to drive before you decide one way or the other. Doesn't sound like you had a proper S2000 experience

 

I used to own an RSX-Type S. So I know where you are coming from. The biggest surprise for me was how planted the car was and how stiff the chassis is depsite being a soft top. You really need to try the car out on a good windy road. I believe that is where the car excels. There is no doubt that a car in good condition drives a lot better than one that is trashed (like it seems). I recently test drove a CR that was in similarly poor mechanical condition and it was a turn off (considering i took time away from work and drive an hour to check it out).

Keep in mind, even the most perfect S2000 is a lot more uncomfortable than most people are willing to tolerate for a daily.

 

Is this really what most people here are experiencing with the clutch engagement on their S2Ks? That definitely hasn't been the case with my car where the clutch travel is fairly short and engagement occurs fairly early. (Now the clutch in my old Audi A4 was a completely different story.) I've never looked into the possibility of adjusting the clutch on this car as thus far I've never had the need.